Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is one of the more unique books I’ve read in a while.
It’s about prisoners who can either stay in brutal conditions (physical or emotional torture), or potentially sign their lives away for a chance at freedom. The price for freedom is to take part in fight to the death matches that are televised. Each gang of prisoners travel together match to match, often losing a member along the way (sometimes in a fight or sometimes by their own gang members).
A few prisoners’ stories are highlighted. Loretta Thurwar and Hamara Stacker are the all-star duo (also a couple) with Loretta being only a couple combats away from Freed. There are also chapters from a couple that represent the audience, and from those protesting chain gang fighting (one of which is the daughter of a recently deceased inmate).
One of the unique elements of this book is the use of footnotes explaining the prison system.
The story kept my attention, although I found it difficult to keep track of the various characters’ nicknames. It is definitely a conversation starter in regard to the justice system and the possibilities of rehabilitation.
Read, Review, Repeat 